Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Wolpin-Nowak Lab

Overview

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a Research Fellow to focus on next-generation, translational pathology studies, working within the Wolpin-Nowak laboratory as part of the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and the Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Our research group investigates the biology and risk factors associated with pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers. We aim to improve outcomes for patients with these diseases by identifying cancer earlier and by improving therapy. We focus on learning from cancer patients by studying human biospecimens so that discoveries can be translated rapidly and confidently into improved clinical care.

Our laboratory includes epidemiologists, biostatisticians, pathologists, data scientists, molecular biologists, and clinical researchers. We employ a broad range of analysis approaches and techniques, including population-scale epidemiology studies, digital pathology, genomic sequencing, and spatial transcriptomic and protein profiling. Our tissue profiling work spans clinical trial correlative studies and landscape-directed discovery studies. We collaborate with the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center Biobank to acquire blood, tissue, and other sample types from Dana-Farber patients.

We also collaborate with investigators at Dana-Farber and across the nation to study pancreatic cancer using model systems and to conduct and lead clinical trials.

This position’s work location is onsite, full-time on campus in Boston, MA.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life-changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health, particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.

We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow’s physician/researchers, and we collaborate with partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Design and conduct studies using multiplex immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptional profiling, and other high-dimension tissue analysis approaches to evaluate pancreatic cancer pathology using human tissue specimens
• Assemble analysis pipelines using machine learning to process tissue data reproducibly and at scale
• Conduct analyses using programming languages such as R and Python
• Collaborate with other laboratory members with expertise in epidemiology, bioinformatics, pathology, molecular biology, and functional genomics
• Participate in group meetings and work collaboratively on larger projects with other group members
• Lead projects that result in first-author manuscripts
• Write grants and progress reports related to research funding

• Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in genetics/genomics, cancer biology, pathology or related fields
• Multidisciplinary training and experience in multiple of these fields is desirable
• MD or MD-equivalent and PhD-holding candidates will both be considered; MD/PhD-holding candidates with pathology training are highly encouraged to apply

• Strong background in human pathology
• Experience with traditional pathology laboratory techniques, including slide sectioning, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and special stains a plus
• Experience with translational pathology techniques, including multiplexed immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics, and RNA in situ hybridization a plus
• Experience with digital image analysis platforms (Halo, Visio Pharm, QuPath, InForm, etc.) a plus
• Experience with R, Python, and commonly used libraries/packages a plus
• Enthusiasm for novel assay and technology development
• Ability to independently analyze information and troubleshoot when required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks
• Ability to work…